Curious About CBD Concentrate? Here’s Your Complete Guide
Cannabis concentrates have been growing in popularity among marijuana enthusiasts, especially among those that want a strong, potent dose of CBD. Whether you are using cannabis to assist with medical treatment or just like to de-stress and relax, CBD concentrate is one of the most effective ways to get a high dose of CBD at an affordable price.
CBD concentrate is made by taking the marijuana plant and processing it to isolate the CBD compound. The end result is a multitude of products that contain nothing but pure CBD, sans THC or any plant matter.
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What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Modern dispensaries typically carry hundreds of products – a lot more than just buds! The term “concentrate” can describe a lot of different cannabis products, including CBD vape cartridges, tinctures, oils, wax, capsules, and hash. All of these products can be smoked, vaped, dabbed, applied topically, or taken orally. The type of concentrate that works for you can vary depending on your medical needs, psychology, physical needs, and preferences.
Many products on the market contain THC, CBD, or a combination of the two. It is always a good idea to seek out products that provide a ratio of THC to CBD or percentage of substance on the packaging. Steer clear of products that are vague about their THC and CBD contents because it can be harder to dose.
What is CBD Concentrate?
Over the last 5 years, CBD products have exploded in popularity, and it is no surprise why. Multiple cannabis medical studies have suggested that CBD can help with a variety of conditions. There is also preliminary evidence that CBD may be a useful treatment for a number of other medical conditions.”
With major medical organizations finding these results, it is no wonder why consumers want to experiment with things like CBD concentrates.
CBD concentrate is a cannabis product that is made from marijuana or hemp. To make CBD concentrate, a manufacturer strips the plant down to specific desirable cannabinoids and terpenes, while discarding the other plant materials.
Think of CBD concentrate like any other concentrated food or beverage. For example, you can purchase fruit juice concentrate in the store and it contains just the fruit juice with no additional fluid or pulp. In the same way, CBD concentrate has been processed to remove all plant matter except for one cannabinoid, CBD.
This means that unless otherwise stated, CBD concentrates do not contain THC and will not produce the same euphoric or “high” sensations. Typically, CBD concentrates are significantly more potent than smoking CBD flower because it is so concentrated.
The thing that makes CBD concentrate so confusing is the fact that it comes in many different forms. Cannabis concentrates can be formed using numerous types of solvents and extraction methods. Here are some common ones you might see in the dispensary:
Shatter: Shatter CBD concentrate is made using either butane or CO2. It usually looks like a little sheet of glass with very minimal crystallization.
Budder: CBD budder is made using high heat and air pressure.
Crumble: Crumble CBD concentrate is made using a similar process as budder, but typically comes out with more moisture and therefore a crumblier texture. Crumble is definitely less popular than other forms of concentrate, but if you’re a little old school and prefer smoking bowls or joints, you can add this concentrate to your dry flower for an extra boost of CBD.
Live Resin: CBD live resin is produced by freeze drying the plant product and then using some kind of extraction solvent like butane. The freezing process is supposed to preserve those valuable terpenes that give your CBD a lemon or lavender scent and flavor.
Wax: CBD wax is produced used either butane or CO2 extraction methods. Technically, all of the terms above describe some form of CBD wax.
THC vs. CBD Concentrates: Differences & Similarities
If you are new to cannabis concentrates, they can definitely be intimidating. You may have heard stories about people getting too high from concentrates, and many people that are interested in CBD in general are not seeking a mind-altering high. The good news is that CBD in all forms, even concentrates, are non-intoxicating. This means that you will not get high from CBD concentrates, but you might experience some amazing benefits.
Similar to THC, CBD products work with the body’s endocannabinoid system and activate cannabis receptors in the brain and other organs in the body. However, the effects are very different from THC. In fact, it’s thought that you can actually use CBD products to block or reduce the sensation of being high if you accidentally consume too much THC or are having a negative reaction to the psychoactive sensation.
Can You Dab CBD Concentrate?
Yes! You can enjoy CBD concentrates in many different ways. Most people enjoy CBD concentrate by smoking it in a vaporizer, dab rig, or by sprinkling it on top of a bowl or in a joint. If the CBD concentrate you are using has been decarboxylated in the manufacturing process, you can also consume it in food or beverages. However, many people prefer vaporizing or smoking CBD concentrate because it is absorbed into the bloodstream faster.
CBD Concentrate Benefits
Of course, there is probably only one reason someone might want CBD concentrates ? to get a very high dose of CBD in a cost-effective way. Some CBD concentrates on the market are 99% CBD! That is pretty amazing when you consider that most high-CBD flower strains top out around 20%.
If you are curious about CBD concentrates, browse through some product reviews and consult your local dispensary to see what the budtender recommends for you.
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